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Leaders Say 2014 Primary Theme Teaches "Families Are Forever"

Contributed By By Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News assistant editor

27 November 2013

The 2014 Primary theme teaches that families are part of Heavenly Father's plan, children are an important part of their families, children can strengthen their families, and families can be together forever.

“When we say ‘families are forever’ it is evidence to me of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. … He has promised we can feel that love forever because He has placed us here in families.” —Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president

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At a time when the family is under fire, the Primary general presidency is hoping children will understand that “Families Are Forever.”

This simple truth is the theme of the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time. It is based on the scripture, “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6).

Children will be blessed by learning that families are forever, said Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president. “This is God’s plan and His doctrine and His great desire for families.”

Sister Wixom and her counselors, Sister Jean A. Stevens and Sister Cheryl A. Esplin, met with the Church News to discuss the 2014 theme and why it is important for Primary children and their families.

“Families are forever and the forever begins each day with each moment of the family contributing to the whole picture,” said Sister Wixom.

Primary general presidency

“Children are an important part of their families and can contribute to strengthening their families,” said Sister Stevens. Then she asked, “How can we help them understand the Lord has something important for each one of them to do?”

In a busy world, children “long to have more time as a family,” said Sister Esplin.

During the year, children will learn that Heavenly Father has prepared a way for them to return to His presence, that He has a plan for His children, and that Jesus Christ is their Savior. They will also learn that the family is central to God’s plan, that families are blessed when they follow the prophet, and that priesthood ordinances and temple work bless their families.

The Primary general presidency hopes children are learning that they need to walk the path that will take them back to their Heavenly Father. While visiting with children from across the globe, the presidency asks children about this path of covenants, this path to the temple. “We ask, ‘Do you want to go alone? Who do you want to go with you?’ They always respond, ‘My family,’” said Sister Wixom.

Sister Stevens said the covenants made in temples stand as symbols of God’s love for His children. “Temples are where earth meets heaven,” she said.

Sister Esplin said the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time focuses on the truths found in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” “The proclamation is a voice for the family in a world where families are under attack.”

Sister Wixom said parents are the ultimate example for their children. “Our children are watching us. We are defining their values by how we live,” she said.

Sister Wixom said Satan is focused on shattering families. “He knows the power of family unity and gathering together through the storms and trials.”

She wishes every child could feel the security of a home where the Spirit dwells.

Sister Esplin said, “Every family is unique. When we live the gospel in whatever circumstances we are in—we can be happy.”

Sister Wixom said Primary leaders will need to think about every child in their Primary as they teach this year. They will need to be inclusive.

Sister Stevens quoted the words to the song, “The Family Is of God.” Primary children will learn the song in 2014.

“God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God,” reads the chorus to the song.

Sister Wixom expressed her gratitude for Primary leaders who will teach children these truths about families.

“When we say ‘families are forever’ it is evidence to me of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. … He has promised we can feel that love forever because He has placed us here in families.”